Helsing Lura AI Anti-Submarine System
SG-1 Fathom submersibles on the carrier deck
The German company Helsing, known for its unmanned aerial vehicles, has now switched to underwater technology. It recently presented a promising underwater environment monitoring system designed to search for various objects. It included a new unmanned underwater vehicle SG-1 Fathom, developed by a partner company, as well as an original control and data processing system Lura.
In a new area
The development of the new anti-submarine defense system was carried out in a closed mode. The company announced the existence of such a project only on May 13, 2025. By this time, together with its subcontractors, it had managed to carry out the necessary design work and bring the new equipment to the assembly stage and first tests.
It is reported that the experience gained in creating ground and air unmanned systems, as well as a number of new solutions, was used in creating the new system for the navy. First of all, developments in the field of artificial intelligence were applied.
The system includes two main components - the autonomous unmanned underwater vehicle SG-1 Fathom and the Lura control system. Helsing developed the software and hardware control system on its own, while the required AUVs and equipment were ordered from the Australian company Blue Ocean Marine Tech Systems.
The Lura complex is built on the basis of modern computing technology and uses artificial intelligence. It must process data from hydroacoustic stations, detect underwater or surface objects, and also issue ready information. The system must also perform target designation for various anti-submarine weapons.
Lateral projection of "Fathoma"
The developers claim that this type of anti-submarine system is characterized by increased flexibility of use, high performance characteristics and speed of action. In addition, its further improvement and enhancement of its main characteristics is simplified in a known way.
Judging by the disclosed materials, the Lura/SG-1 project has already reached the stage of manufacturing and testing experimental equipment. In particular, the dropping of the AUV "Fatom" into the water with subsequent operation and issuance of results is shown.
The developer company will probably start promoting its anti-submarine system on the international market in the near future. What kind of advertising the new products will be and whether it will be possible to convince potential customers is still unknown.
underwater platform
One of the main assets of the Lura complex is the SG-1 Fathom AUV. This is a multifunctional underwater platform capable of carrying a payload of various purposes. When used as part of an anti-submarine complex, such a device receives the appropriate software and hardware.
The SG-1 has a tubular body 1,95 m long and 280 mm in diameter. The central part has a vertical stabilizer on top, and in the stern there is an arrow-shaped "wing" that provides movement under water. The weight of the device is 60 kg.
"Fatom" has an electric power system, but does not have its own engine. Movements are carried out on the principle of the so-called underwater glider. The device has a device for controlling buoyancy, due to which it can maneuver in depth. At the same time, the "wing" allows it to move horizontally and perform smooth maneuvers along the course.
This method of movement does not allow for high speeds - they do not exceed 1-3 knots. At the same time, the device is highly economical. Even with limited battery capacity, it is able to remain at sea and operate for up to 3 months.
The head of the hull houses passive hydroacoustic station sensors that collect information about the underwater environment. SG-1 is also equipped with an onboard computer with elements of the Lura system, which is responsible for primary data processing. Communication facilities are provided for transmitting data to the control station.
Management system
In turn, Lura is a software and hardware complex designed for use on AUVs and control stations. It is built on the basis of computers with the required performance and dimensions. The software part is made using artificial intelligence.
The Lura system uses a “large acoustic model.” This is essentially a database of acoustic signatures from a variety of surface and underwater ships, vessels, and submarines. The database is said to have been collected over several decades and covers fleets from a wide variety of countries.
During its operation, Lura must analyze incoming signals and recognize their source. It is claimed that modern equipment and artificial intelligence allow the sensitivity of the complex to be increased by 8-10 times compared to other hydroacoustic systems. In addition, target recognition is performed 40 times faster than by a human.
Some components of the Lura system are placed on board the underwater vehicle. Others are intended for land or ship control stations. The station also has operator workstations and devices for communication with other anti-submarine defense components. It is noted that AI allows for an increase in the degree of automation of the station and the entire system as a whole. One person will be able to control a "fleet" of hundreds of AUVs.
Work principles
The developer company has revealed the general principles of the new monitoring system. Thus, a control station must be located on land or on a carrier ship. In addition, the required number of SG-1 AUVs are deployed on other ships or other platforms. With their help, the devices are delivered to a specified area and launched into the water.
"Fatoms" must independently patrol along specified routes within the required area. During patrols, they will have to use standard sonars and receive various acoustic signals.
The onboard computer of the AUV, using elements of the Lura system, analyzes incoming signals and determines their nature and source. If the AI recognizes the received vibrations as noise from a ship or submarine, the device should surface and communicate with the control station.
The Lura equipment at the control station then joins in the noise analysis. Having confirmed the presence of a real target, the operator determines further actions. He can redirect additional SG-1s to the target area to clarify the situation or immediately transmit target data to anti-submarine systems.
It is assumed that an anti-submarine system of this kind will be able to perform monitoring, search and target designation tasks with high efficiency. It should demonstrate high speed and reliability, recognize targets of all expected types with increased accuracy, etc.
In addition, the system based on the Lura complex has potential for further upgrades. Its characteristics can be improved by replacing hardware or software components, using new underwater platforms, etc. Probably, the developer company will be able to develop new application principles in the future.
Uncertain future
Helsing predictably talks about its new development exclusively in a positive way. The developers give the Lura system a high rating and claim that it has a great future and good commercial prospects. In addition, the company recently began testing such a system and has probably already received the first positive results.
However, the real prospects of the new anti-submarine system are still uncertain. The proposed project is complex, which may lead to increased technical risks. Because of this, the actual results of the project may not meet expectations. In addition, it is unknown how potential customers will react to the Lura project and whether they will want to buy such products.
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